On 28th February 1943, Lieut. BRUCE was sent forward to arrange for
the crossing of the IRRAWADDY River by Headquarters No.1 Group, No.1
Column and No.2 Column. He was accompanied by one section of Burma
Rifles. Reaching the Steamer Station of TAGAUNG, with his small
force he blocked the river preventing the movement of all traffic,
and held the area for four days. On the 3rd March he enteree the
town accompanied by only four men, disarmed the local Burma Police
Force, destroyed 7 rifles and kidnapped a Burman Customs Official
who was a Japanese nominee. Owing to his efficient block of the
river he was able to collect a large number of river craft and great
quantities of food, sufficient to feed the whole force of 1,000 men
for several days. Unaware that part of the force had been ambushed
with and the plan changed, Lieut. Bruce continued with his
inadequate party to hold the area far beyond the period originally
ordered. Hearing at last of the fate of the main body, he finally
abandoned the position which he had so boldly held and, rejoining
his Platoon Commander, took part with him in a remarkable march
across the Irrawaddy through the Kachin Hills and eventually back to
India. During the whole period his courage, cheerfulness and
unfailing sense of humour was a remarkable source of inspiration